Cattle welfare in India involves complex intersections of religious, cultural, economic, and welfare considerations.
Cattle welfare in India is shaped by cultural and religious contexts that differ significantly from Western frameworks. The prohibition on cattle slaughter in many states has created a large population of unproductive cattle with inadequate care. Working cattle face chronic overwork, poor nutrition, and injuries without adequate veterinary care. Gaushalas provide shelter but often in overcrowded conditions. Welfare improvement in this context requires culturally sensitive approaches that work with rather than against existing cultural frameworks.